2018 NBA Draft - June 21

[DJTJ]

I watched about 3.5 Zona games (Sean Miller makes me want to scratch my eyes out) and I dont think he compares to what I saw from Embiid at KU. Bambaa compares a little more favorably with his development throughout the season. I think Ayton has the body but doesnt have the drive to impose his will. I watched the whole Texas A&M game and he wanted nothing to do with Tyler Davis and I was hoping he would take that challenge on both ends.

In general, dont like Ayton's approach to the game. Closest comp I can think of when watching him and his impact on a game is Derrick Coleman back at Cuse and then the early NJ years. Plays much harder with more impact on offensive side when he knows ball is coming than on D where he should be much better at impacting a game. Because he wants to be a perimeter player, he exerts alot more energy than he should so he looks tired alot out there when the ball isnt in his hands.

I do like his mastery of showing at the midpost and attacking from there.

Watched a ton of U of A being in AZ. It’s 100% effort with him, and I’m hoping the lack of motor shown is because he just really wasn’t interested in college ball because the dude is absolutely incredible in the post.

Really hoping Suns bring him home, but also reallllly want them to take Doncic.

 

[Nathan S]

Watched a ton of U of A being in AZ. It’s 100% effort with him, and I’m hoping the lack of motor shown is because he just really wasn’t interested in college ball because the dude is absolutely incredible in the post.

Really hoping Suns bring him home, but also reallllly want them to take Doncic.

I'm more concerned that there's an element of selfishness to his play. He seemed like he was more concerned with getting his 20/10 than with getting the W. When his shot wasn't falling, he seemed to become disengaged with the game instead of trying to find some other way to help his team. Is that fair, or am I reading too much into a few games? You've surely watched more of him than I have.

 

[czvo]

It's starting to sound like Ayton has a lot in common with Ben Simmons.

 

[Cavatt]

It's starting to sound like Ayton has a lot in common with Ben Simmons.

These types of guys had too much talent in college. They didn't have to work to hard. They get smacked like the Sixers just did in the playoffs and now it is how you respond. Will Simmons work harder and become better or never adjust.

That is what is so hard about a really talented player. They have to go that extra step to work as hard as possible to realize their potential.

 

[Sir'Dom Pointer]

Ayton shot 17% from NBA 3 this season. His form is just a no go from that distance. He jumps way too high and release is slightly too late. Who says he is going to be a stretch 5 in the NBA?

His midrange is money though.

As for Elie Okobo...he might end up being the best PG in the draft. After every good performance that he puts up, I become even more mad that we traded our own pick.

 

[Sir'Dom Pointer]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JHX5InZvok


PnR Maestro. I'll say it again, he looks like Harden out there...just quicker. lol

 

[Nathan S]

Really in-depth article on him, in case this 44 point outburst has gotten some more people curious: https://www.thestepien.com/2018/02/15/hiding-plain-sight-elie-okobo/

 

[DJTJ]

I'm more concerned that there's an element of selfishness to his play. He seemed like he was more concerned with getting his 20/10 than with getting the W. When his shot wasn't falling, he seemed to become disengaged with the game instead of trying to find some other way to help his team. Is that fair, or am I reading too much into a few games? You've surely watched more of him than I have.

I think you’re relatively spot on but overplaying it.

Miller asked him to do waaaaaay too much, and when he was bad offensively, he had trouble getting everything together. It’s really a mental thing with him, which again, is sad. He’s so good but just mentally in his head so deep.

 

[Nathan S]

Noticed that @JacobEGoldstein has compiled BPM for a variety of top pro leagues (link below). Some quick observations:

-Doncic excellent in ACB/Euroleague as expected, though he's actually a close second in Euroleague behind Kyle Hines. Notably, he ranks 3rd in ACB League DBPM, behind teammates Tavares and Ayon. Obviously very ridiculous for a guy who just recently turned 19 and is typically listed at PG.

-Musa ranks 22nd in Adriatic League, pretty good considering he played the whole season at 18.

-Okobo ranks 31st in French League (16th offensively), solid but not spectacular, perhaps weighed down by a fairly pedestrian start to the season.

-Goga ranks 30th in Adriatic League (3rd defensively), again pretty good considering he's just 18 (slightly younger than Musa).

-Noua ranks 57th in French League

-Bonga ranks 168th in German League, a massive -3.4 on offense, +2.6 on defense.

I think that sums it up for interesting prospects...other names that've come up for potential late-2nd guys are all way negative. LiAngelo Ball a hilarious -4.3 in Lithuanian League

Our man Gudaitis ranks a modest 42nd in Euroleague, but actually leads Italian League. Spurs stash Milutinov is really solid, 8th in Euroleague and 2nd in Greek League.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...mXbTeUd4g32yskJuETKOaDDd9o/edit#gid=771844251

 

[randymoss1881]

Probably Doncic personally, although I'd be happy with Ayton. Theoretically we should have the easiest pick, we just pick whoever is left out of the two where as the Suns have to actually choose...

Hopefully it’s Doncic I have him at 1 and he’s 6’8-230 already. In 2 years we could have a small ball lineup of
Fox-buddy-Bogdan-Doncic-Giles

 

[czvo]

Hopefully it’s Doncic I have him at 1 and he’s 6’8-230 already. In 2 years we could have a small ball lineup of
Fox-buddy-Bogdan-Doncic-Giles

Aren't Giles' knees being held together by duct tape at this point?

 

[Adam]

Aren't Giles' knees being held together by duct tape at this point?

I watched a video of them assessing his knees and the busted one makes his leg uneven. I worry he will never be able to get it working right short of using a raised boot

 

[Nathan S]

Rather tame end to Okobo's season, as he finished with 14 points, 3 assists, and 5 turnovers in a blowout loss. He's given teams a lot to think about, for sure. Goga's team was knocked out 0-2 in the first round of the Serbian League playoffs a few days ago, so he's done too...season ended with a whimper after a series of strong games a few weeks ago.

That leaves Doncic and Musa still in action out of the players we've been following. Doncic's playing now in game 1 of the ACB League quarterfinals. Musa's up later today in game 2 of the Croatian League finals (5-game series), which his team trails 0-1.

 

[priceFTW]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JHX5InZvok


PnR Maestro. I'll say it again, he looks like Harden out there...just quicker. lol

Overall talent pool the world over is pretty fucking amazing right now.

As for Elie Okobo...he might end up being the best PG in the draft. After every good performance that he puts up, I become even more mad that we traded our own pick.

We wouldn’t draft a player like him. We’d look for Anthony Bennett’s or Kay Felder’s long lost brothers playing at some YMCA somewhere.

 

[Cement]

View: https://twitter.com/NYPost_Berman/status/1001109068235395072